Murphy’s Garage Headford has confirmed with the Irish Farmers Journal that the John Deere franchise has been withdrawn from its showroom with immediate effect.

The move comes despite the fact that the Headford-based dealership services more than 1,400 John Deere brand tractors in the Galway and Mayo region, making it one of the largest regions for John Deere tractor penetration in Ireland.

Murphy’s Garage Headford Ltd was established by John Murphy in 1981. The dealership was appointed as a John Deere dealership in 1990.

John Tully from Longford acquired shareholding in Murphy’s Garage in September 2012, with a significant cash injection into the business.

Farmers and contractors in the region were shocked this week with the news of the John Deere withdrawal from Murphy’s.

It is understood that many John Deere customers from the area have been in contact with the company in the UK this week, in an attempt to reverse the decision.

Martin Fleming, chair of the Association of Farm Contractors of Ireland (FCI) in the western region, told the Irish Farmers Journal that the move was major blow to farmers and contractors in the west of Ireland.

“John Murphy and his team have provided an exceptional level of service support for John Deere tractor and machinery owners in the region for more than 25 years,” he added.

In a separate statement, John Deere has also confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that the franchise has been withdrawn from Murphy’s Garage within the last week.

“John Deere is currently working to ensure a long-term solution in the area, but is unable to comment further at this time.”

The company says its highest priority is to ensure sustainable sales and service support for its customers.